Van Nistelrooy is on course for the National Stakes after completing a hat-trick in the Group 2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
The $6.4 million Storm Cat colt recorded a workmanlike neck verdict over Chappel Cresent, with British raider Wilful the same distance back in third. 'That's a relief as the horses are still very much under a cloud. Van Nistelrooy had to run today if we were going to aim him at the National Stakes, and that is still the plan. He is a good bit off full fitness as I was easy on him this week, and afraid of making him sick,' said O'Brien.
He went on to outline possible plans for his stable stars saying, 'There are signs of improvement among the three-year-olds. Rock Of Gibraltar, Hawk Wing and High Chaparral are all back in work and, if everything goes to plan, should be ready in time for the Irish Champion Stakes or the Moulin, which is on the same weekend.'
Richard Hannon's stranglehold on the Tattersalls Breeders Stakes was broken last year when Partytime finished second, and he again had to settle for the runner-up spot in the e300,000 event as Cosmo went down by a length and a half to Tout Seul.
Antrim born Steven Carson sent the Fulke Johnson Houghton-trained colt to the front over a furlong out, and he was driven right out to land this valuable restricted sales race. Zaby led the home challenge just a short-head further behind in third. The winning trainer's daughter, Eve, said afterwards: 'He was always travelling well, and Steven felt he probably hit the front too soon. This race has been the plan ever since his first race, and he will probably go now for a Group race. He's entered in the Middle Park, Dewhurst and Mill Reef.'
Osterhase recorded a shock win in the Listed Ballygallon Stud Belgrave Stakes, up with the pace throughout under Dane O'Neill and holding on by half a length from the strong finishing One Won One.
Magic Star was heavily backed to make a winning debut in the five furlongs Curragh Equine Groundcare Maiden, and the confidence was not misplaced as Eddie Lynam's charge made up considerable ground in the closing stages to peg back Rossmore Rosie.
Alan Magee
